Effects of Upper and Lower Limb Exercises on Muscle Strength, Aerobic Capacity and Respiratory Functions in Children With Cystic Fibrosis

What this Trial Is About

This research focuses on children aged 6 to 18 years diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects lung function and muscle strength. The study aims to compare the effects of upper and lower limb exercises on muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and respiratory functions. It highlights how resistance training targeting specific limbs may improve respiratory muscle endurance, mobility, oxygen consumption, and overall physical performance in this population. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two exercise programs. One group will perform upper limb resistance training using an arm cycle ergometer with sessions 2-3 times per week, including warm-up, training at 50-85% peak resistance, and cool-down. The other group will engage in lower limb resistance training using a leg cycle ergometer under a similar schedule and intensity. Each session includes 1-3 sets of 6-15 revolutions with rest periods. Children will be assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks for lung function via spirometry, sputum production recorded in diaries, aerobic capacity measured by the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test, upper limb muscle strength using handheld dynamometry, and lower limb strength with the Sit-to-Stand Test. The study will monitor exercise adherence and measure changes in respiratory and muscle function over the trial period, which lasts ten months after approval.

Exercises' Effect on Muscle Strength, Aerobic Capacity and Respiratory Functions in Cystic Fibrosis